Kingmakers announce Lekan Balogun as Olubadan-elect

Ten of the 11 members of the Olubadan-in-Council have endorsed the nomination of Dr. Lekan Balogun as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The Council also denied that a legal tussle could scuttle the succession to the Olubadan throne.

The Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, stated this at a briefing by the kingmakers on Wednesday.

According to Ajibola, the kingmakers resolved that Dr. Balogun is next in line to ascend the throne of Olubadan according to tradition.

He also debunks insinuations relating to the health and wellness of the new Olubadan-elect.

The stool of Olubadan of Ibadanland became vacant after the demise of Oba Saliu Adetunji, the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland, who died on Sunday during a brief illness.

Among those present at the press briefing were Eddy Oyewole, Asipa Olubadan; Amidun Ajibade, Ekarun Olubadan; Owolabi Olakunleyin, Otun Balogun; Adebayo Akande, Abese Balogun; Lateef Adebimpe, Osi Balogun, among others.

Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Osi Olubadan, who is also a member of Olubadan-in-Council, was absent at the press briefing.

Ajibola said that 10 out of 11 members of the council had agreed on the issue of who becomes the Olubadan of Ibadanland based on the traditions of Ibadanland.

He said there was no court case stopping the appointment of Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The Otun Balogun said that the only case in court was not on the issue of who becomes the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Ajibola, however, called on Ibadan citizens to disregard the rumour going round on the issue of court case.

Also, Balogun commiserated with the family of the late Oba Adetunji and Oyo State Government on the demise of the traditional ruler.

He prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased.

Balogun extolled the good deeds done by the late Oba Adetunji in respect of his dedication and commitment to the promotion and sustenance of peace and development of Ibadanland and Oyo State in general.

According to him, these attributes shall remain indelible in the hearts of the people.

He enjoined people of the state to remain peaceful in their conducts in order to sustain the unequalled historical peaceful co-existence for which Ibadanland was globally known.

“I, therefore, enjoin you all to discard with all unfounded rumours and insinuations capable of disturbing the peace of Ibadanland, irrespective of the quarter from which such fake news emanate.

“In line with the traditional practice of Ibadanland, when occasion like this arises, the Olubadan-in-Council has been up and doing liaising with the Oyo State Government to ensure that every necessary step to sustain the peace of the City is strictly followed,” Balogun said.